growing old and increasing in power?
They spend their years in prosperity
and go down to the grave in peace. (Job 21:7 & 13)
Job asks the question that still troubles people to this day. Why do evil people often live seemingly good and long lives? Is there no justice?
God is just, but some perspective is needed here. How are we to know what is going on between that person and God? Who’s to say that God isn’t patiently giving this person time and opportunities to turn from evil and accept the gift of salvation? And consider this: what is a long life here compared to eternity?
It’s difficult to see the evil in the world today, and not wish that God would ‘do something’. But what would you have Him do? Do you want God to remove all evil from the world? Where do you draw the line between types of evil? Some people perform heinous acts and later repent – are we right to take that option away?
I remember 9/11 – a truly evil act by horribly sick and misguided people. The days following that tragic event had more people attending church, more bibles being purchased, and more people seeking God and answers than ever before. While terrible events like that are always painful and grievous, they also are often the only time some people will stop and look around long enough to realize they need a Savior.
I don’t like the evil acts that are going on, and I don’t want to see any more of them. But I do know that you and I do not see the big picture – God does! Even things that seem wrong and horrible are still being done within the realm of God’s loving control. I don’t have to understand it all to believe that.
Can you join with me to pray for those suffering today? I mean both the victims and the perpetrators. Many of the most sick and twisted individuals that perform the worst acts imaginable are people badly in need of our Savior’s love. It’s hard to pray for these people, but that’s what love does – and what our Savior asks of us.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:43-45)
I am going to pray for victims of senseless violence. I am also going to pray for God to touch the hearts of those who currently don’t know Him and are planning evil, that perhaps their hearts will turn away from evil and towards the loving grace of Jesus. I hope you will join me.
#LoveMatters